"It is quite right that we have proper legal processes, although sometimes one can get frustrated with how long they take."

He added: "I think it is very important that the deportation and expulsion arrangements (work) promptly and properly, particularly when people are accused of very serious crimes."

The five men had argued that in the US they could face prison conditions and jail terms which would expose them to "torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" in breach of the European human rights code.

Today's verdict declared that "detention conditions and length of sentences of five alleged terrorists would not amount to ill-treatment if they were extradited to the USA".

Home secretary Theresa May also welcomed the verdict. "In five of the six cases, the Court found that extradition would not breach their human rights and in the remaining case, it asked for further information before taking a final decision," she said.

"We will work to ensure that the suspects are handed over to the US authorities as quickly as possible.”